Dr. Roman Brestansky, a nutrition expert, points out that many people believe chocolate is harmful to the body and general health. As a result, they often adopt strict diets and austerity measures to cut it out completely.
اضافة اعلان
However, according to him, chocolate has several health benefits, especially when considering its natural components, including its caffeine content.
He explains:
“Chocolate contains magnesium and zinc. It can be a good natural source of these elements, provided it is consumed without additives. Of course, to fully meet our nutritional needs, we need a diverse diet, not just chocolate.”
He also notes that many people who quit sweets altogether may suffer psychological difficulties, as the nervous system struggles to adapt. This can lead to nighttime cravings and even waking up to raid the fridge. Therefore, it is important to adjust one’s diet without completely eliminating sweets, including chocolate—moderation is key.
Dr. Brestansky emphasizes that dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that help lower bad cholesterol and strengthen blood vessels. Chocolate is also high in magnesium, which benefits the nervous system, supports muscle function, and promotes better sleep.
Meanwhile, Dr. Marina Makisha, another nutrition expert, adds that consuming 10–20 grams of chocolate daily can boost mood by stimulating the production of happiness hormones.
However, she cautions that chocolate is also calorie-dense—100 grams contain about 400 calories. That’s why she recommends choosing dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa content, as it contains less sugar and offers greater health benefits.
(Sources: radio1.ru, gazeta.ru)
